Brenda's Blog

Saturday, January 2, 2016

The Dewalt DC970K-2 compact driver-drill presents 450 in. lbs. of Max Torque and 285 in. lbs. of PTI Torque, still it weighs merely 3.5 lbs. And the DC970K-2’s 18V compact lithium-ion electric battery charges in only just 15 minutes for less downtime. The Dewalt 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1 2-Inch Driver-Drill presents powerfulness and performance in a compact size. The DC970K-2 is perfect for a scope of driving and drilling into wood and steel, and can be utilized in many different zones such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, electrical, reconstructing, woodworking, and more.

This power tool are available on Amazon at over 49% discount! Click this link to take advantage of this huge discount!It has plenty of power, the batteries hold a charge for a long time and charge quickly. You will not be disappointed with this well-balanced drill. Fits the hand so well and has plenty of power for all your jobs.The chuck locks tools very well and tight. Like in older Dewalt, the head does not free spin as you tighten the toll.

Here are some great features of the Dewalt DC970K-2 built 4-pole motor delivers 450 in.lbs. of Max Torque, with a variable 2-speed all-metal transmission (0-400 / 0-1, 500 RPM) for a wide range of applications. Compact, ergonomic design; only 8-Inch long and weighs just 3.5-PoundBuilt-in L.E.D. light illuminates the work area. Dewalt LXT lithium-ion battery and energy star rated 15-Minute rapid optimum charger produces 430-Percent total lifetime work with 2.5X more cycles3-Year warranty on tool; 1-Year warranty on battery and chargerWell, the good and the great- its light light LIGHT! compared to all the others on the market, weight is this drills best feature, besides the grip and feel and comfort of it in the palm of your hand, beside the 15min charge on the 1.5amp lithium-ion batteries (includes two), and the strong torque and the L.E.D (you wouldnt think a light would be so well appreciated, but it is). the DC970K-2 is just everything youd want or need from an everyday drill @ the house.Here’s what one of the owners had to say about the Dewalt DC970K-2

As most of the reviews have mentioned, this is a superb drill. I have been using mine on the job for about a month now. It is lightweight, super comfortable to hold and packs enough power to tackle most jobs (450in-lbs). The batteries included are 1.5 rather than 3Ah, so the run time is shorter than other Dewalt offerings, but the batteries charge in less than 15 minutes and their smaller size help shave the drills weight down to 3.5lbs. Also, the compact size is great for drilling in tight, hard to reach places. At first I thought the led light was a bit of a gimmick, but it is actually quite handy. Get this drill, and like me, you will be looking for projects just to use it.

In the cafe bakery arena, Patisserie Valerie is not alone in its quest for a larger share of the dinner trade. Apostrophe, the London-based patisserie cafe chain, is this month introducing a new menu that will reflect the brand's central London heritage. "It is quite a significant overhaul of our food offering," says chief executive Amir Chen.

"The current plan is to roll it out in a few stores. We're not going at it with a gun to our heads, we want to do it properly and in the right way. Apostrophe is perceived as being a very London-centric brand and we want the menu to reflect the fact we're in the middle of this incredibly innovative, diverse food environment."

London-based Le Pain Quotidien, meanwhile, is one of the few cafe bakery operators to hold an alcohol license at most of its sites, and serves a good range of wines as well as beers and cider as a result. It also has a comprehensive range of hot and cold food that extends into the night. Dishes on the evening menu, which is available from 5pm, include risotto; steak and ale stew; confit de canard; and Lyonnaise salad, while lunch features savory tarts, tartines and pot pies.

Paul UK also holds an alcohol license at a number of its sites and CEO Jean-Michel Orieux says the boulangerie brand is working to boost its restaurant credentials. Although the majority of its UK sites have a takeaway centered offer, the company is making moves to follow in the footsteps of many of its international sites and provide a more extensive bistro-style operation.

"Paul worldwide has had table service in many operations for years, from breakfast all the way to dinner," says Orieux. "Last year we refocused on the basics in the UK, which we have been doing well, but things are not perfect. We are reviewing our catering offer to make it more substantial."

Paul operates two table service restaurants in London in Covent Garden and Marylebone as well as 30 takeaway shops with limited seating. It is currently refurbishing its Covent Garden site to give it a fresher look although it will retain the Parisian feel and bolster its evening food service, even if Orieux is tight lipped about the exact menu changes. The company plans to expand outside the capital for the first time later in the year, with the southeast a prime target, and this bistro approach will be used as a blueprint for the rollout.

"Until now our focus has been on developing the brand in London. The retail element evolved as a response to the market, but outside London we need to satisfy take away demand, as well as appeal to a more destination led, eat in clientele.

"Over the past 10 years customer expectations have changed. Some of the Pret A Mangers and Caffe Nero's today are nothing like the small cafes of old as a response to changes in consumer habits, and we need to do the same."

With the proposed changes to Covent Garden, Paul will become a viable alternative to nearby restaurant chains such as Brasserie Blanc, Bill's and Cafe Rouge, although Orieux believes the competitive set is broader still. "It depends on the time available for the customer and the occasion as to where they now eat. Twenty years ago, when we were looking at competitors, we considered brands with the same market positioning as us, but now it is much wider. The same consumer will visit us as well as Itsu, Brasserie Blanc and even Hawksmoor. Success is down to developing loyalty and ensuring value for money."

Euphorium Bakery, the artisan chain in which Tesco has an interest, is yet another cafe bakery determined to serve more than just coffee and pastries. The brand has introduced a carvery offer at its flagship site in Threadneedle Street, City of London, and gives customers the choice of ordering food from its counter or the dining area. The menu includes hot breakfast sandwiches with bacon carved straight from the joint as well as 28 day matured Scottish roast beef rib.

The potential to take a slice of the evening trade and introduce alcohol isn't limited to places with a strong food offer. Coffee chain Harris+Hoole, in which Tesco also has a stake (see The Hoole story, right), recently secured alcohol licenses for its sites in Sunbury on Thames and Walton on Thames, both in Surrey; and North Finchley, London. They don't as yet serve it, but chief executive Nick Tolley believes it will add a further "string to our bow of services". Indeed, Tolley says the company hit upon the idea after being told by customers that the cafes would be a nice location for an after work drink.

"We are and always will be a coffee led operation, but in some sites we feel that having the option of opening later and serving a nice wine or selected craft beer is worth exploring," he says. "We want to have lots of community events in the shops and would keep them open late to do that. Having a coffee at seven or eight in the evening is the last thing people want to do, as opposed to having a glass of wine or a nice beer."

Alongside this approach, the company is starting to look beyond coffee and pastries and has added pizzas and burgers to the menu at its Sunbury site.

A home improvement project can very easily increase the value of your home. But before you get started, I’d like to share with you some tips with regards to dealing with home contractors.When you are looking for a home contractor make sure to get references and check them. Make sure that the contractor’s insurance, bonding, licenses and other credentials are current.

Narrow down your list to your favorite home contractors and ask if they had done any similar projects in the neighborhood. If you have a lot of money and plan on hiring a designer, this person will draw up a detailed design based on your needs, creative ideas and specifications. The designer will make the blueprint plans for the General Contractor. If you want to pay less, you can avoid having to hire an architect or a designer by hiring a company like “Classic Homes Remodeling” who feels that generating and providing blueprint plans are a part of the complete service to their client. Get a list of client references from your contractor. Visit the homes, see the work that the contractor has done and talk with these satisfied clients.

When you speak to a reference ask them these questions:
· How was the communication before and during your projects?
· Were you kept informed about the status of your home improvement project, of any problems that came up or of any changes that needed to be made?
· Were you satisfied with your contractor’s answers to your questions?
· Was your contractor willing to listen to your suggestions and input?
· Did they arrive at work on time every day, and did they clean up after themselves?
· Was the work done within the budget? Did you end up with costs that were outside of your original estimate? What were those extra costs?
· Ask if the project completed in a timely manner or were there delays?
· Would they hire this contractor again to do additional work?
· Would they recommend their contracting services to other home owners who are considering having a contracting project done?

You might get lucky and have one of the references let you stop by and see the completed work on their home to get a better idea of the accuracy of their project.

Hopefully you will be impressed with the work done and the openness of the reference. Choosing your home Remodeling Contractor and hiring the right Contractor for your project:
· Hire only licensed contractors and ask to see the license.
· Don’t hire the first contractor who comes along.
· Contractor doesn’t solicit door to door.
· Don’t rush into repairs, no matter how badly they’re needed.
· Contractor should discuss your project in detail before giving a quote.
· Get three bids, check references, and get a written contract.
· Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there were any complaints against the contractor
· Contractor doesn’t require me to obtain the building permits because they take care of that.
· Contractor doesn’t request cash only payments.
· Don’t pay cash, and don’t let the payments get ahead of the work.
· Contractor doesn’t require a large down payment. Don’t pay more than 10 percent or $1,000, whichever is less, as a down payment.
· If a remodeling contractor comes into your home for an estimate and asks you for a large down payment…I would strongly consider, not giving them any money.

You may ask: Don’t they need money for labor and materials? If they needed your money to pay for labor and materials…they don’t have much of a business. If they don’t have the cash flow and money in their business to take care of your job, you should consider not doing business with them at all. Another thing you have to be aware of in regards to this issue is that if you do pay the contractor and he uses subcontractors or certain suppliers and he doesn’t pay them…they can put a lien on your house and you’ll be forced to pay them.·

Homeowners should look closely at all paperwork or contracts· Any properly prepared contract will include all the costs, not only for the General Contractor but also for all his/her subcontractors as well. In terms of actual payment, prepare to pay in increments. You obviously wouldn’t pay all the money up front (just in case he/she absconds with the money without finishing or even beginning the job), and it’s not feasible to pay the fee all at the end, since he/she would need the money to pay the subs on a weekly basis.